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Arthroscopy

Definition

Arthroscopy is a surgery done to examine a joint visually. Most of the time, it is done on larger joints, like the knee or shoulder. A special tool called an arthroscope is used. It is an instrument that looks like a long tube with a miniature camera on the end. Repairs or corrections to the joint may be done by using the arthroscope and other tools.

Anesthesia

Spinal anesthetic
—your lower body will be numbed by putting a numbing medicine in your back

Description of the Procedure

The doctor will make tiny incisions in the skin along the joint. Special tools will be inserted through the incisions. The tools include the arthroscope. The picture from the arthroscope will show up on a screen so that the doctor can see the inside of your joint. The doctor may use the images to move around other tools that can cut and repair tissue in your joint.

For example:

Some
meniscal tears
in the knee will be repaired by cutting out some of the cartilage.

Carpal tunnel syndrome
in the wrist may be treated by loosening the ligament that puts pressure on the nerves.

Once the examination or surgery is done, the tools will be removed. The skin may be closed with stitches or clips. The incisions will be covered with a dressing. The fluid or tissue that was removed may be sent to a lab for examination.

How Long Will It Take?

Usually less than one hour, but this may be longer if repairs are being done.

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Post-procedure Care

The dressings can sometimes be removed as early as the next morning. When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

It takes 4-6 weeks for the joint to recover. You can probably go back to work or resume daily activities within a few days, as long your doctor approves.
You may be instructed to
use crutches
or a cane for the first few days if the surgery was done on a joint in your legs.
A specific activity and rehabilitation program may be suggested. This will help speed your recovery and protect future joint function.

Athletes often return to athletic competition within a few weeks.

Note:
Repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) by arthroscope may require a recovery time of 4-6 months and a more specialized rehabilitation program.

Call Your Doctor

It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site

Persistent nausea and/or vomiting

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you've been given

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms

Swelling, tingling, pain, or numbness in your toes that is not relieved by elevating your knee above heart level for one hour

Drainage

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy Association of North America website. Available at:
http://www.aana.org/PatientInformationBrochures/WhatisArthroscopy/tabid/93/Default.aspx. Accessed December 18, 2014.